Charles Dickens Festival 2026 in Port Jefferson: Visitor Guide

Every December, Port Jefferson dresses up as a Victorian village for the Charles Dickens Festival. Costumed characters walk the streets, there are parades, Santa sets up shop, and Theatre Three puts on "A Christmas Carol." It's the busiest and most festive weekend of the year in the village, and we have a front-row seat from East Main Street.

Here's what to know before you go, based on how the festival has run in recent years.

When is the 2026 Dickens Festival?

As of late October 2026, we haven't seen the 2026 dates officially announced. The festival typically runs the first weekend of December. In 2025, its 29th year, it ran Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7.

So for 2026, plan around the first weekend of December and confirm on the official festival page from the Port Jefferson Arts Council (gpjac.org/dickensfestival) or the Village of Port Jefferson's site before you lock in plans. We'll update this post when the dates are out.

What to see

Here's what the 2025 festival included, according to Greater Long Island's preview. Expect a similar layout in 2026, but check the official map for this year's details.

• Parades. In 2025 there was one Saturday morning at 11am to kick things off and a closing parade Sunday at 5pm.

• Costumed characters. Dickensian performers and locals in period dress roam the village all weekend.

• Dickens Central. Set up in 2025 in the lot next to Kilwins on West Broadway, with a walk-in snow globe, an information table and photos with Charles Dickens himself.

• Santa Claus Central. Santa greeted families inside First United Methodist Church, with ornament-making for kids upstairs at Mrs. Cratchit's Craftworks.

• Tiny Tim's Train Station. At the Harbormaster's Building across from Village Hall, which also served as a Toys for Tots drop-off.

• Theatre Three. The theater at 412 Main Street performs "A Christmas Carol," plus concerts and other shows through the weekend.

• The Charles Dickens Creative Study. New in 2025, on the second floor of the Port Jefferson Village Center, with a photo set featuring giant Christmas Carol ghosts.

The festival is presented by Northwell's Mather Hospital and organized by the Port Jefferson Arts Council. The full schedule and venue map go up on their festival page.

Getting there and getting around

Come early. The festival draws big crowds, and parking near the harbor fills up fast on festival weekend.

Park once and walk. The village is small. Everything from the harbor to Theatre Three to East Main Street is walkable. The Village of Port Jefferson runs paid public lots downtown, and you can pay at the machine, by text or by QR code.

Take the train or ferry. The Port Jefferson LIRR station is a bit over a mile south of the harbor, and the Bridgeport ferry lands right in the village if you're coming from Connecticut.

Dress warm. It's December on the water. Layers, gloves and good shoes make a big difference when you're standing for a parade.

Bring a bag for Toys for Tots. If the train station drop-off returns this year, it's an easy way to give back while you're there.

Where to warm up after

By late afternoon, everyone's cold. Head up the hill to Roots Kava Bar at 250 East Main Street and thaw out on the couches.

We pour hot lattes, ceremonial-grade matcha, herbal teas, house mocktails and kava served in a shell. Kava is an earthy, peppery Pacific island root drink, and a shell by the window while the festival crowds walk by is a pretty great way to end the day. We also have board games and video games on the shelf for kids and adults who need a break from the cold. Everything's on our menu, and we wrote more about our matcha and late coffee.

We stay open late. If the first weekend of December falls the way it usually does, the Saturday of the festival means we're open until 1am, and Sunday until 11pm. Happy hour is 4pm to 7pm daily, which lines up nicely with the end of the afternoon parade.

If you're in town Friday, come for Friday Night Comedy Night and Open Mic: open mic at 8pm, pro Long Island comedians at 9pm, suggested donation at the door. Details on our comedy night page.

Bringing a group? Family reunions and holiday get-togethers fit well in our lounge. We host private parties for up to about 40 with no minimum and no deposit, and the room stays warm.

For the rest of the weekend, see our guides to planning your visit and the Port Jefferson Friday night guide.

Getting to Roots: 250 East Main Street, Port Jefferson, NY 11777, up the hill from the harbor and a short walk from the ferry. Open 12pm to 11pm Sunday through Thursday and 12pm to 1am Friday and Saturday. Directions on our visit page, or call (934) 259-8902.

Dickens Festival FAQ

When is the Port Jefferson Dickens Festival in 2026?

The 2026 dates hadn't been announced as of late October. It typically runs the first weekend of December. Check the Port Jefferson Arts Council's festival page or the village site.

Is the Dickens Festival free?

Walking the village streets and watching the parades doesn't take a ticket. Some performances, like Theatre Three's shows, are ticketed, so check the official schedule.

Where can I warm up during the Dickens Festival?

Roots Kava Bar at 250 East Main Street serves hot lattes, matcha, tea and kava, and is open until 1am on Saturdays.

Where should I park for the Dickens Festival?

Use the village's public lots downtown and arrive early, since parking fills up fast on festival weekend. You can also take the LIRR to Port Jefferson station.